Departing CCHS Principal Elaine DiCicco feted
by Bob Rothenberg
More than 300 current and former colleagues, faculty, staff, school committee
members, school superintendents and Concord and Carlisle citizens turned
out to honor CCHS principal Elaine DiCicco at a May 10 retirement dinner
at the Westford Regency Hotel. DiCicco has served in the Concord and Concord-Carlisle
regional school systems for 34 years as a teacher and administrator, the
last 23 as high school principal.
Speakers at the dinner, including current and former regional district superintendents
Ed Mavragis and Tom Scott, current regional school committee chair Lauren
Walters and former CCHS history teacher Elliot Lilien variously described
DiCicco as an educator, leader, disciplinarian, peacemaker, cheerleader
and even a queen. Referring to the turbulent times just prior to her appointment
as principal, Lilien credited her with "bringing order out of chaos"
and noted that her strong leadership was responsible for major academic
advancements at CCHS. Scott lauded the "student-centered environment"
created by DiCicco, and her "incredible dedication and commitment."
Mavragis suggested that her evenings, Saturdays and Sundays spent at high
school meetings and events probably added five years to her term of service.
Walters compared the retirement party to a family wedding, and urged the
many former CCHS faculty and staffers present to enjoy the reunion as they
honored DiCicco.
Among the gifts presented to DiCicco was a basket of painting supplies which
she gratefully accepted in the hopes of resuming her interest in art, last
pursued at the age of thirteen. In thanking the speakers and those who attended
the party, she modestly redirected much of their praise toward the "wonderful
faculty, staff and parents" of CCHS and the two towns. She recalled
early memories of playing the role of teacher to her dolls and childhood
friends, and said she grew up always wanting to be a teacher.
The regional school committee recently appointed Arthur Dulong, associate
principal at Lexington High School, to replace DiCicco as principal of CCHS
effective July 1.